PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel

I decided to purchase this reel from Penn because there is no bail to close on your line while you are making a powerful cast with a heavy lure or bait set up. I lost a big hook w/ leader baited with squid and a medium sized sinker last summer when a bail closed on me during a cast. I don't even want to think about loosing a $20 pencil popper.This reel has performed perfectly so far. I use it at the beach surf casting in saltwater.This reel has the following features:Utilizes all metal construction. Aluminum, anodized to prevent corrosion.5.6:1 gear ratio.Water tight design uses seals to keep saltwater out.5+1 Shielded stainless steel ball bearings - including anti-reverse bearing.Weight - 22.5 oz.Extra plastic washers - to adjust how the line lays on the spool. Mine does not need any adjustment.Spool - Capacity 430 yards of 30 lb braid which is what I use. Spool has a rubber or vinyl coating to keep line from spinning on the spool. You can order extra spools directly by calling Penn.Drag - Sealed. Dial up to a 30 lb drag instead of the usual 15 lbs. Material, I believe it is carbon fiber.Using this reel has been great. When reeling in a lure the mechanical operation and feel is very smooth. There is no wobble, and this reel has been designed for the rotor mass to be in balance without a bail.This is a heavy duty, dependable and solid reel. The drag can be adjusted to any setting you desire as changing by one click does not change the drag very much. The spool has a beveled inside face to help the line shoot out upon casting.Using the reel can take some getting used to. You have to put the line on the roller bearing with your finger after casting. If this is new to you I recommend watching some videos on youtube to help you. Once the line is on the roller bearing you just reel the line in as usual and the line will never pop off of the roller bearing on its own. After you use this reel for a while, placing the line on the roller bearing will just become second nature or put another way you will do this without thinking about it or looking at it while doing it.I'm having a lot of fun fishing with my new Penn Spinfisher V bail-less reel. Great value. Recommended !

I hate writing reviews until I fully test and use the product, sorry for a long delay but 5 years and still going.One of the standout features of the PENN Spinfisher V is its durable construction. The full metal body, sideplate, and rotor, along with the heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, provide a solid foundation that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing. This reel has shown exceptional resistance to corrosion, maintaining its functionality even after extended exposure to saltwater and sand.The drag system is a key component of the Spinfisher V's performance. It delivers a robust and silky smooth drag, allowing me to reel in even the toughest fish with ease. The addition of the friction trip ramp prevents premature bail trip when casting, reducing the risk of line tangles and improving overall casting efficiency.The instant anti-reverse bearing further enhances the reel's performance by eliminating back play, providing solid hook sets, and preventing handle movement during critical moments.In conclusion, the PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel has proven to be a reliable, durable, and versatile option for saltwater and sand fishing environments over the past five years. With its full metal construction, sealed drag system, smooth operation, and convenient features, this reel has consistently delivered a high level of performance and customer satisfaction. I can confidently rely on the Spinfisher V to enhance my fishing experience and tackle various challenges with ease.

I would like to start this by saying there are TWO kinds of "Saltwater Reels":1. Used IN Saltwater2. Used IN the SURFThere's a big difference between those two. Most reels that say they're rated for "Saltwater" do not necessarily mean they're rated for the surf. The key factor being that "Surf" conditions are more harsh due to the fine grit and sand that can get into the reels, and "Reelly" messing up your day. On incoming surf, the water is loaded with ultra fine sediment, and more often than not your reel is going to get either splashed or even dunked in the water from time to time, this fine grit is a killer on reels.I have a few Saltwater spin reels that say saltwater rated, however in the surf they took a death within a couple trips (maybe 10 to 15 hours of use), having to be opened up and cleaned out, as they eventually started to fail (Actually reeling became labored due to the fine grit that got into them, affecting gearing and spool post actuation). To note: I practice all the due diligence in taking care of my gear, rinsing everything with freshwater, extensively, after every session. I then use an air compressor and blow out the excess water, fallowed by lubricating sprays (some silicone, some not), followed by another wipe down and test use to clear the excess.So far, putting this Penn to the test has proven the SpinfisherV to be a very good reel. The slammer drag, being sealed, I think is a big part of that. I fully immersed it, a few times in the surf, and it performed flawlessly. The reel is pretty beefy, you'll feel it's "Heft" right when you take it out of the box. The bail system is very solid, not flimsy, and the drag system is quite sensitive and smooth. I have to say so far I'm impressed and will update accordingly if I have any problems. But so far, it's been a great reel.